Oval steel offcuts?

[Rorschach]

Any ideas where I might find some oval steel offcuts?

I can find a small selection of oval section bars online of course but I am rather stumped as to where I might find some little offcuts. Anyone know which industries might use oval stock so I can ask? Looking for pieces around 1/2" to 1" on the widest part, 1" long would be plenty. I have some repetitive oval shaped parts to make in wood and plastic and I thought attaching them to a steel "template" would make my job a lot easier.

 

[MARK.B.]

How about using Aluminum instead,much easier to shape than a steel template.

 

[Rorschach]

How about using Aluminum instead,much easier to shape than a steel template.

The steel is the template.

 

[MARK.B.]

OK bu could you not make your template from ally instead of steel ?

 

[Rorschach]

OK bu could you not make your template from ally instead of steel ?

I could but I have used aly templates in the past and they are not as durable as steel for long term use. Great for a one off job but not for dozens, maybe even hundreds.

 

[Peri]

If you only need a few, and can provide a drawing, I might be able to cnc some for you.

 

[Rorschach]

If you only need a few, and can provide a drawing, I might be able to cnc some for you.

I'll keep that in mind, thank you.

 

[Cabinetman]

Depends how thick your wood and plastic parts are of course but if you’re making that many I think the way to go is a shaped cutter and stamp them out, perhaps. Ian

 

[Rorschach]

Depends how thick your wood and plastic parts are of course but if you’re making that many I think the way to go is a shaped cutter and stamp them out, perhaps. Ian

Not suitable in this case but I appreciate the suggestion.

 

[MARK.B.]

OK i see your reasoning

 

[Tris]

Pet tags? Seem to remember oval ones but may be too big or thin

 

[Rorschach]

Pet tags? Seem to remember oval ones but may be too big or thin

Both too big and too thin, but a good suggestion, will look into stamped plaques, I might be able to stack them.

 

[Inspector]

Rule out making big ovals/ellipses and a router jig gizmo like an engraver to reduce the actual piece to the size you need?

Pete

 

[TFrench]

Sounds like you need them machined to me.

 

[Rorschach]

Sounds like you need them machined to me.

I was hoping for off the shelf, you can buy steel bar in oval shapes, I was just looking for potential sources of off cuts as I don't need a whole bar. I was hoping someone might know an industry that uses oval stock I could contact, they obviously make it for someone but I don't know who.

 

[Pineapple]

Thick or Thin ? - Fat Belly or Slim Belly ? = Slightly Oval or Very Oval ? - If you make your own out of the exact grade of steel you prefer; to the design required, you will end up with what you want - instead of settling for something that "will do" !

 

[Pineapple]

Or design them carefully - and politely ask "PERI" to CNC them for you ?

 

[Rorschach]

Thick or Thin ? - Fat Belly or Slim Belly ? = Slightly Oval or Very Oval ? - If you make your own out of the exact grade of steel you prefer; to the design required, you will end up with what you want - instead of settling for something that "will do" !

Will do is fine, the shape isn't critical, it's aesthetic rather than functional.

 

[J-G]

I have no idea how you came to think that there would be 'Oval' bar stock available. First 'Oval' means 'Egg shaped' (the radius at each end is different) and I suspect that what you really want is 'Elliptical' ie. the conic section.

Steel Stock Holders / Rolling Mills have enough difficulty carrying Round stock in single mm increments never mind then thinking about what eccentricity is likely to be useful/popular.

You can find a reference (incorrect) to 'Oval Tube' by some stockholders but that is flat sided tube with an equal radius on each end.

Here is a graphic explanation in case you are in any doubt.

 

[Rorschach]

@J-G You are quite correct, elliptical is what I want, but I don't think most people think of oval as being egg shaped. One of those instances where the commonly accepted definition is different from the official.